Shortcuts to entertain with style

Entertaining at home is on the rise. Where it was once trendy to go out to celebrate special occasions or just to socialize, now 80 percent of women choose to take party planning into their own hands. The simple secret? Arm yourself with insider short cuts and easy tips so you can throw a memorable get-together that is both effortless and less expensive.

Here are a few tips to turn a blase bash into a party with a punch:

•No more menu mania. Although food is often a vital part of any party, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to apply for the position of host or hostess. Take advantage of the wide variety of prepared foods available. Dress up store-bought quickies with fresh herbs or dressings to faux a gourmet feel. If you splurge on one great dish, whether it is caviar, pate or your own signature creation, the rest can be simple and no one will notice the short cuts you took – guaranteed!

•Become your own bartender. Beverages and good food go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are ways to make drink mixing a no-brainer for amateurs. Buy ready-made mixers right off the grocery store shelf. Simply mix equal parts of the mixers with the appropriate alcohol to create drinks that are easy on the hands, eyes and taste buds. Also be sure to stock your home bar with a few “cocktail complements” like cherries, lemons, limes, fruit slices, and sugar and salt for rimming glasses; all of which can add some quick kick to your cocktails.

• Small touches have a big impact. A professional party planner always knows the key to a successful party is often in the details. Create a cohesive theme by color-coordinating napkins, dishes, glasses and even drinks. A summer table looks great layered with orange, fuchsia and cranberry. Also play around with lighting, room fragrances and music to set the right mood. If you want to throw a fiesta, try using colorful paper lanterns, an exotic scent and a variety of Latin music to spice up the room.

• Join the party. What’s the point of entertaining if you’re not in on the action? Take the time to socialize with your guests. If you’re the type of person who usually becomes holed up in the kitchen all night, hire one or two “helping hands” who can help pass hors d’oeuvres restock snacks, and clean up after guests. This frees you up to have fun!

• Send guests home with something special. This can be something as simple as a wine charm so guests can keep track of their drinks at the next party you throw; a handful of cute cookies wrapped in a theme-colored cellophane for those who “couldn’t fit dessert”; or flower seeds of a fragrance infused at the party that will allow guests to fondly reminisce about your party when their flowers bloom weeks later.